Newsletter Summer Term 31.05.11
The good weather finally broke, in time for long exeat break but not before the annual school photograph which was a Cottesmore first: both prep and pre-prep pupils were all together in one big photo.
Academic News
As the prospect of Common Entrance and exams across the school draws closer in Week 7, the pupils have been very busy with final revision plans. Study clinics for CE have started and the school has taken on a more intense atmosphere in this final week before the exams begin.
Sports News
Wednesday afternoon was filled with Athletics, with heats for Sports Day as well as several finals of field events. Some gold medals have already been won, but will not be presented until Sports Day. Congratulations to Sebastian who won the Intermediate Shot Putt competition.
The matches schedule restarts this week with a number of cricket and rounders fixtures against Ashdown and Cumnor House.
Swimming
Junior Gala at the Duke of Kent Prep School on Monday 23rd May
This gala represented a new opening for the Junior Squad with so many new faces and gala debutants. Winning the opening race with a 1-2 in the Under 10 Individual Medley (IM) set us off to a flying start, thanks to Christopher and Josh. Kariem and Laine attempted to maintain this lead, swimming technically well but were beaten over the four length distance.
The U9 team performed well, achieving some creditable times. This was their first competitive event and it is apparent that starts and finishes are crucial areas to address. The Under 11 team swam hard, but were outmatched, with the exception of Oliver who won his races with his superb Breaststroke.
Once again, the Under 10 ‘A’ team showed their talent and fitness, with Josh and Finn winning their individual events and both Medley and Freestyle Relay teams nailing their races with style. The Under 10 ‘B’ team lacked a little stamina, but Alex did well to win his ‘B’ Butterfly event.
Overall this was a defeat, but a close-fought one. The relay teams are to be congratulated upon their effective handovers and consistent effort. Individual swimmers will now work on areas of technique and stamina in order to improve their chances in the next gala – far away in the Autumn Term!
Other News
Race for Life was completed on Wednesday by 3 pupils, Jazzy, Sophia and Georgia, accompanied by several members of staff: Mrs Bracknell (who is a marathon runner), Mrs Dolman, Mrs Rogerson, Mrs Hannaford and Mrs Miles. Well done to all; this year’s event was the biggest Race for Life to date.
The much anticipated staff cricket match against Copthorne took place on Thursday under some very threatening skies. The rain held off long enough for Copthorne to win by 17 runs.
Mr Elliott excelled behind the stumps in his first foray into wicket keeping, taking a catch off the very first ball. The boys greatly enjoyed watching their coaches with a critical eye and some cries of “Long barrier, Sir!” were heard on a few occasions, following a staff fielding gaffe. It was an enjoyable evening for all.
In the coming week there is a highly anticipated visit to Brighton pier on Sunday, as well as the cricket sixes tournament at Brambletye.